In my italian girl era
A 12-Day Italian Adventure: Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Luca, Cinque Terre, and Camogli
Italy is a country that never ceases to amaze, and our recent 12-day trip was no exception. From the bustling streets of Rome to the serene landscapes of Tuscany, each destination offered its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a detailed account of our journey, complete with recommendations to make your trip just as magical.
Rome: The Eternal City
Our journey began in Rome, where we stayed at the elegant Romanico Palace Hotel. This hotel, with its classic Roman architecture and modern comforts, was the perfect base for exploring the city's rich history.
Tours are the most time-efficient way to see Rome's historical sites. They allow you to cut long lines and benefit from the knowledge of a tour guide. We visited the Vatican, where it's important to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. The Vatican can be extremely warm and crowded, so it's wise to find a tour that includes the gardens (ours did not, and we regretted missing them).
Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance
Next, we traveled to Florence and stayed at the Grand Hotel Adriatico. This centrally located hotel was ideal for exploring the city's art and architecture.
Florence is a food lover's paradise, and we highly recommend the food tours available through Viator. A must-do is the Walking Food Tour of Florence with Tastings, which introduces you to the best local delicacies.
Tuscany and Luca: A Journey Through Idyllic Landscapes
From Florence, we ventured into the heart of Tuscany. One of the highlights was a horseback ride in San Gimignano, complete with a traditional Tuscan lunch. This experience allowed us to soak in the picturesque countryside and savor authentic Italian cuisine.
Luca, with its charming medieval streets, was another gem in our Tuscan adventure. Strolling through the town, we felt like we had stepped back in time.
Cinque Terre: The Coastal Haven
Our journey continued to Cinque Terre, where colorful villages cling to cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea. Each of the five villages has its own unique character and offers breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.
Camogli: The Hidden Treasure
Our final stop was Camogli, a quaint fishing village on the Italian Riviera. We stayed at the Sublimis Hotel, which offered stunning views of the sea and easy access to the charming town. Camogli's serene atmosphere was the perfect way to end our Italian adventure.
Capture the Moments
One of the best decisions we made was booking a one-hour photo shoot. You'll never regret capturing these memories, and we used an incredible photographer, Olga Makarova. Her talent truly brought our Italian adventure to life in photos we will cherish forever.
Tips for Future Travelers
Tours: Opt for tours to save time and get the most out of historical sites.
Vatican: Dress modestly, and look for tours that include the gardens.
Florence Food Tour: Don't miss the Walking Food Tour of Florence with Tastings.
Horseback Riding: Experience the beauty of Tuscany with a horseback ride in San Gimignano and a Tuscan lunch.
Photo Shoot: Capture your trip with a professional photo shoot by Olga Makarova.
Our 12 days in Italy were filled with unforgettable moments and delicious food. Each city and town offered a unique glimpse into Italy's rich history and vibrant culture. We can't wait to return and explore even more of this beautiful country.
If you have never traveled abroad, I recommend working with a travel agent. It's very helpful when it comes to booking train reservations, airport pickups, tours, and more.
Travel With Nicole
Gabrielle with Fora
I’m still fully embracing my “Italian vibe era.”
But, in case you have any travel plans coming up, ✈️ I wanted to share a few things that I bought for my trip to Italy that I would totally purchase again!
These cute, comfy memory-foam shoes. A must for any trip where you’ll be doing a lot of walking and sightseeing!
These suitcase packing cubes – which really help keep everything in my suitcase organized. Plus, they make unpacking and repacking a breeze.
This small, crossbody travel bag. It’s lightweight, holds everything I want, and is perfect for when you’re on the go.